Journalism has changed in industry-shattering ways over the last two decades, but one thing remains true: readers love lists and awards. Naturally, everyone loves an award and reading about why that person or that company deserves the award. As for lists, well, try to go through your Facebook feed without seeing people sharing articles like “25 scariest moments in children’s movies” or “100 places to visit before you die.”

Do you know what’s more interesting than reading about a list or an award? Actually being on the list, or winning that award. And do we ever have an opportunity or two for you. Here is how you can be a part of a couple of our most popular features.

The National Provisioner is seeking information for its annual Top 100 Report, and we’re looking to get updated information from companies on the list or should be on the list. If you are a meat or poultry processor, we invite you to send us your company information. We sort out the Top 100 companies by sales, so you are required to provide those numbers if you’d like your company to be on the list.

You say your company is too small to qualify for the Top 100 list? You’re in luck, because have another list that’s open to companies of all sizes. We are compiling the fastest-growing companies in the meat and poultry industry. Those companies don’t have to be the largest; they just have to have shown significant growth from the last two fiscal years. Last year’s inaugural list of the fastest-growing processors saw both Greater Omaha Packing Co. (2017 sales: $1.8 billion) and Makowski’s Real Sausage Co. (2017 sales: $4.2 million) in the Top 5.

I hope you will consider submitting your company’s information for our Top 100 Report, regardless of your size. We want to show that the small businesses are just as competitive and successful as the big corporations, and we need your help to do it. Go to the Top 100 form at https://www.provisioneronline.com/Top-100-Questionnaire for more information.

Secondly, we are seeking entries for the 5^th Annual Independent Processor of the Year Award. That award goes to the processor who best represents what it is to be a successful small business in the meat and poultry industry. Here are our past winners.

2017: Godshall’s Quality Meats
2016: Western’s Smokehouse
2015: Dole & Bailey
2014: Queen City Sausage

We are looking for companies who are obviously successful financially but are also showing great innovation in terms of product development, sustainability, employee care, etc. If you think your company has what it takes to be considered for the award this year, please send me an email at gazdziaks@bnpmedia.com. I’d be happy to send you more information about our requirements.

Take these opportunities to toot your own horn. Let the industry know about your successes. Instead of reading about other companies, let them read about you for a change.